Active safety systems relevant to longitudinal control like
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) have been developed and specified
based on assumptions about the differentiation of driver’s input
between “normal” and emergency events. The consequence of
these assumptions is a system that does not accommodate for
driver variability and can be engaged when it is not intended to
and not engaged when it is necessary. The present paper presents
data from an empirical study that examined differences in driver
braking response in normal and “emergency” situations. 24
participants drove an instrumented vehicle on open roads and on a
closed track. Participants were first asked to drive 10km on public
roads as an indication of their “normal” braking responses. When
they arrived at the closed track they were instructed to follow “at
their preferred distance” another car towing a trailer at
48kmph/30mph. After 322m (0.2 mile) the trailer was released
and automatically braked. Throttle pedal angle and brake pedal
pressure were measured and foot/pedal movements were videorecorded.
Results indicate patterns in driver responses that an
intelligent brake system could “learn” from, in order to
accommodate driver variability and achieve effective augmented
braking.

Description:

This conference paper was Braking 2009, The Institute of Mechanical Engineers, St
Williams College, York, 9-10 June. Further details of the conference are available at: http://www.imeche.org/